Boulder, CO May 24, 2013—Populus, LLC, a Boulder-based company that implements utility demand side management and community energy efficiency programs has been ranked #1 on the Boulder County Business Report 2013 Mercury 100 list. The distinguished listing recognizes the 100 fastest-growing private companies in Boulder and Broomfield Counties of companies reporting annual revenue over $2 million based on two-year growth. Populus landed the number one ranking by achieving 663 percent revenue growth from 2010 to 2012.

“Fast growth takes a very special group of people,” said Laura Hutchings, CEO of Populus. “This award belongs to our team at Populus whose energy and dedication have made our success possible. I especially want to recognize Seth Portner, our Chief Operating Officer, and Andy Mazal, our Residential Director. Their dedication, passion and execution have made this possible.”

Populus implements two of the largest community-scale energy efficiency programs in the State of Colorado, including Boulder County’s EnergySmart and the Denver Energy Challenge. Last year the company made significant progress in the utility sector when Xcel Energy awarded Populus the contract to administer two of its residential demand-side management programs throughout their Colorado service territory. “We have been blessed to have amazing clients who have been instrumental in our success and are a delight to work with,” Hutchings said, “I am grateful to them for the opportunity to make a positive impact on our planet while creating jobs in our community.”
The Mercury 100 award criteria, compiled by the Boulder County Business Report’s research department, ranks companies based on percent growth from years 2010 and 2011. It is also divided into two categories: the top 50 companies reporting annual revenue less than $2 million and the top 50 companies reporting annual revenue more than $2 million.
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Populus is a residential energy efficiency firm headquartered in Boulder, Colorado with offices in Colorado and California. Populus specializes in the implementation of community-scale energy efficiency programs and utility demand side management programs that engage homeowners to make investments in energy upgrades. Leveraging its unique People First, Buildings Second™ approach, Populus residential energy efficiency programs substantially exceed the national average for program performance in the percentage of participating customers making investments in energy upgrades.

“Everyone knows that replacing your old appliance with a new, more efficient model will save you money on your utility bills,” said Steven Nadel, ACEEE executive director. “What this report shows is that consumers haven’t had to sacrifice good performance or new features in exchange for improved efficiency.”

“Many of us tend to be nostalgic about the past, but what this report shows is that your parents’ appliances not only cost more to run, but probably didn’t perform as well either,” said Andrew deLaski, ASAP executive director.

National efficiency standards for appliances, equipment, and lighting products have delivered big savings for consumers. The report found that a household with six products (refrigerator, clothes washer & dryer, dishwasher, central air conditioner, and toilets) that just meet the current efficiency standards will save $360 on annual utility bills compared to a household with the same products purchased 20 years ago.

However, until now, little work had been done to examine changes in other product attributes as efficiency has improved. For this report, ACEEE and ASAP analyzed how the choices available to consumers have changed over time as efficiency standards have taken effect for ten residential and commercial products. The report compared the performance, features, and price of products available before and after each standard was implemented.

The report found that product performance generally stayed the same or improved as efficiency standards took effect. Refrigerator temperature performance has improved and noise levels have dropped over time. Manufacturers have maintained good dishwasher performance even as energy and water use have decreased substantially. And incandescent light bulbs that meet new efficiency standards provide the same light output, lifetime, color quality, and dimmability as bulbs that were available before standards took effect.

“Overall, efficiency standards have been a win-win for consumers,” said Mel Hall-Crawford, energy projects director at Consumer Federation of America. “Improved efficiency has added up to consumer pocketbook savings, and at the same time, consumers are getting products that deliver equal or better performance.”

According to the report, manufacturers introduced and expanded the availability of new features as efficiency standards took effect. For example, consumers now have a significantly wider range of options in bottom-freezer refrigerators including French-door models, and new features include new types of water dispensers, in-the-door ice makers, and additional compartments. The availability of clothes washers with large tub capacities has increased dramatically, and new features include electronic controls and displays, steam cycles, and automatic dispensers.

The report also found that product prices declined or stayed the same as efficiency standards took effect for five products. For example, the average price of a refrigerator (in 2011 dollars) declined from $1,300 in 1987 to $850 in 2010, or a decrease of 35%. Clothes washers and dishwashers have seen similar price declines—45% and 30%, respectively. For the other products analyzed in the report, price increases were outweighed by electricity bill savings.

“From light bulbs to refrigerators to air conditioners, today’s products save energy and money while delivering performance that equals or beats the products they replaced,” said Joanna Mauer, ASAP senior researcher and lead author of the report. “In addition, consumers can choose from new features that were not even available in the old, inefficient versions.”

To download the report and a stand-alone executive summary visit: http://aceee.org/research-report/a132

To download the fact sheet visit: http://www.appliance-standards.org/sites/default/files/Better_Appliances_Fact_Sheet.pdf 

About ACEEE: The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy acts as a catalyst to advance energy efficiency policies, programs, technologies, investments, and behaviors. For information about ACEEE and its programs, publications, and conferences, visit aceee.org.

About ASAP: The Appliance Standards Awareness Project is dedicated to increasing awareness of and support for cost-effective appliance and equipment efficiency standards. Founded in 1999, ASAP is led by a steering committee that includes representatives from energy efficiency organizations, the environmental community, consumer groups, utilities, and state government. See appliance-standards.org/.

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May 16, 2013 – Summer and warmer temperatures are just around the corner. If you’ve been considering replacing old, inefficient cooling systems, there’s no better time than now to take advantage of low-cost energy loans offered through the City and County of Denver’s Denver Energy Challenge.

“On average a home can save upwards of $150 per year by updating an older Air-Conditioning unit with a higher efficient unit,” said Sustainability Advisor at the City and County of Denver, Jeremy Lauffenburger.

The City and County of Denver’s Denver Energy Challenge launched its energy loans in August of 2012. Loans are available to finance over 40 residential and commercial energy efficiency measures, such as whole house evaporative coolers and Energy Star rated central air conditioning units.

“Our loans are packaged nicely with no-cost energy advising from the Denver Energy Challenge to ensure the upgrades you choose make sense for your home or business. When you throw in rebates through Xcel Energy, there’s really never been a better time to implement projects like thi,”said Residential Program Administrator Elizabeth Babcock.

Funds are offered at competitive interest rates starting at 2.75% for residents and 3.75% for businesses with no early payment penalties, giving residents and businesses the flexibility to make desired or necessary upgrades when they want; and for years to come.

Since the loan program launched in 2012 the Denver Energy Challenge has loaned over $520,000 dollars to Denver residents and businesses.

The Denver Energy Challenge is funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Neighborhood Program and provides energy loans through Elevations Credit Union.

For more information, or to contact an advisor at the City and County of Denver, call 720.865.5520 or visit www.DenverEnergy.org.

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DENVER, CO (April 26, 2013) – U.S. Green Building Council Colorado today announced the Denver and Boulder Energy Loan Program was selected as one of six Colorado organizations to receive its first ever Public Interest Design award.

The Public Interest Design award recognizes Colorado-based leaders and businesses that use places, products, and processes designed or redesigned for maximum social impact.

The Denver Energy Challenge, an energy efficiency program at the City and County of Denver, launched the low-cost energy loan program in partnership with EnergySmart in Boulder County in August of 2012.

Available through Elevations Credit Union, the loans marked a new era for energy efficiency awareness, enabling residents and businesses the opportunity to obtain low-interest financing for energy efficient improvements.

“These loans are a sustainable way for us to ensure that the community has access to capital for small or large energy projects for years to come, said Tom Herrod, Denver Energy Challenge Grant Manager at the City & County of Denver.”

Since Launching the program in 2010, the Denver Energy Challenge has helped more than 6,180 residents and 1,280 businesses save over $2.3 million in utility costs.

The Denver Energy Challenge is funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Neighborhood Program.

For more information, or to sign up for the Denver Energy Challenge, visit www.DenverEnergy.org.

For more information on the Public Interest Design Awards Contact Patti Mason, Director of Advocacy, USGBC Colorado, 303-292-6181 patti@usgbccolorado.org.

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EnergySmart is a suite of services offered to residents and businesses in all Boulder County communities to assist in making homes and businesses more energy efficient. EnergySmart launched in January 2011 after receiving a Department of Energy “Better Buildings” grant which was intended to kickstart energy efficiency investment in communities around the country. Boulder County is one of 40 communities nationwide to have received similar grants for energy programs. EnergySmart has been looked to as a model of success.

“EnergySmart has been a huge success, thanks largely to strong partnerships within the local community that have helped Boulder County become a leader in sustainability,” Boulder County Commissioner Cindy Domenico said. “Between the homes and businesses that have committed to upgrading their buildings and the contractors who have performed the work, we achieve significant economic and environmental benefits in Boulder County.”

The City of Boulder’s SmartRegs ordinance, which requires rental properties to reach certain levels of energy efficiency by 2019, has driven about 40% of EnergySmart’s participation.

“We are so excited to be partners in EnergySmart and join our colleagues in the county and other partner organizations in celebrating this success. This is a program that works,” Boulder City Manager Jane Brautigam said. “In the city, we are committed to continuing to find ways to make it easy for our community members to take the steps that make a difference.”

Says Susie Strife, Boulder County Sustainability Coordinator, “We are thrilled at the impact we’ve been able to have on improving the health and well-being of our residents, our economy, and our planet. Setting the goal of reaching 10,000 county households was ambitious, and we look forward to assisting many more residents across the County.”

EnergySmart home services include expert assistance from Home Energy Advisors, who help residents navigate the often-confusing world of energy assessments, contractors, and rebates and financing opportunities. To-date, advisors have helped participating residents with upgrades including insulation and air sealing, furnaces and window replacements. Residential upgrades have resulted in almost $13 million being invested in the local economy.

Commissioner Deb Gardner, who is in the process of upgrading her home through the EnergySmart program said, “I really appreciate the home energy advisor’s assistance in answering questions and making suggestions. I feel like I really got the best advice and the most bang for my buck.”

Having reached its first goal of 10,000 households, EnergySmart will continue to offer its services to homes and businesses in all Boulder County communities.

To sign up for EnergySmart or learn more: Call 303-544-1000 (for homes) or 303-441-1300 (for business) or visitwww.EnergySmartYES.com for more information.

EnergySmart is a collaborative effort funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through the U.S. Department of Energy’s BetterBuildings grant program and is sponsored in partnership by Boulder County, the City of Boulder’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) tax, the City of Longmont, Xcel Energy and Platte River Power Authority.

Check out this excerpt on the Populus session from Day 1:

Boosting Residential Engagement: It’s Not About the Building

Laura Hutchings, CEO, Populus. Laura described Populus as your “primary care” energy advisor. I loved this analogy. Populus focuses on the customer instead of the home improvement and their model is “people first, building second.” People don’t make choices to make energy-efficient upgrades because of the utility’s suggestions but instead for personal reasons. Connecting with your customer and having actionable intelligence that is specific to them helps them make changes. Utilities can do this by targeting certain segments, knowing what they want, and getting them what they need. Laura made me want to have an advisor come to my house to find out what I could do to be more efficient.

]]> http://www.populusllc.com/populus-news/populus-presents-at-esource-2013-utility-marketing-conference/feed/ 0 http://www.populusllc.com/populus-news/populus-llc-is-a-finalist-for-colorado-companies-to-watch-award/ http://www.populusllc.com/populus-news/populus-llc-is-a-finalist-for-colorado-companies-to-watch-award/#comments Thu, 11 Apr 2013 20:56:29 +0000 admin http://www.populusllc.com/?p=1378 Continue Reading]]> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Boulder, Colo. – Populus, LLC, a company that implements energy efficiency programs on behalf of utilities and communities joins a select group of Colorado companies recognized as a Colorado Companies to Watch finalist. This selection acknowledges the company’s hard work, growth and success represented by Populus significantly expanding its regional and national client base over the last three years and the company’s contribution to business development in the state.

Colorado Companies to Watch honors second stage companies that develop valuable products and services, create quality jobs, enrich communities and create new industries throughout Colorado.  The year-long program is hosted by the Colorado Office of Economic Development and the Edward Lowe Foundation.

Populus has achieved significant growth since 2009 by innovating a new model for delivering utility and community energy efficiency programs to the residential market. While the residential energy efficiency industry has traditionally focused primarily on the energy upgrade needs of buildings, Populus has pioneered a new implementation model that puts People First, Buildings Second™.  By moving beyond technical jargon and innovating customer-centric approaches to building energy efficiency, Populus has more than doubled the industry “close rate” on people taking action and making investments that make their homes more comfortable, more efficient and more affordable.

“When I joined Populus as its CEO in 2009, my goal was to scale our product offering and bring innovation to the residential energy efficiency market”, states Laura Hutchings, CEO.  “We are very pleased to see that the hard work of our management team and employees has resulted in Populus being named a finalist for Colorado Companies to Watch.”

About Populus, LLC

Populus, LLC is a residential energy efficiency firm based in Colorado.  Founded in 2006, our core area of specialization and expertise is the comprehensive implementation of residential programs that engage customers to make investments in energy efficiency.  www.PopulusLLC.com  

About Colorado Companies to Watch

Colorado Companies to Watch (www.Colorado.CompaniestoWatch.org) is a unique statewide awards program recognizing growing companies that fuel the economic fire of the state. Colorado Companies to Watch honors companies that develop valuable products and services, create quality jobs, enrich communities and create new industries throughout Colorado. The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade launched the program in 2009 in conjunction with the Edward Lowe Foundation, and valuable sponsors, key drivers, community and supporting partners, as well as volunteers from across Colorado.

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Contact:  Laura Hutchings, laura@populusllc.com, 303-888-0798

As rates rise, customers seeking to reduce their energy consumption and control their energy bills can turn to Boulder County’s EnergySmart.  In addition to installing some free energy saving devices (e.g., light bulbs, showerheads and faucet aerators)  EnergySmart provides Boulder County residents with expert assistance to prioritize home energy efficiency upgrades, find qualified contractors and obtain financing and available incentives.  To get start, contact a Populus energy advisor at 303-544-1000 or visit www.EnergySmartYES.com.

Boosting Residential Engagement: It’s Not About the Building

Description: Utilities have an uphill battle in creating more energy savings in the residential sector. But programs in Oregon and Colorado are gaining significant traction with whole-house program marketing through innovative concierge approaches to engaging customers. These programs overcome barriers that most rebate programs can’t, and tap into the unmet needs of customers who want more comfort and savings.